What are Short-Term Vacation Rentals?

Short-term vacation rentals, also known as “locazioni turistiche” in Italian, are the lettings of non-classified residential units located within buildings or parts of buildings, where hospitality and/or accommodation is offered without the provision of ancillary and/or tourist services. These rentals are carried out on an occasional, non-organized, and non-entrepreneurially for a period equal to or less than thirty consecutive days.

Key Features of Short-Term Vacation Rentals:

• Non-classified residential units: These are not subject to any official classification or star rating system.
• Located within buildings or parts of buildings: The units must be part of an existing structure, not standalone properties.
• Hospitality and/or accommodation: The primary purpose is to provide lodging for guests.
• No ancillary or tourist services: Unlike hotels or other hospitality establishments, short-term vacation rentals do not typically offer additional services such as meals, housekeeping, or entertainment.
• Occasional, non-organized, and non-entrepreneurial: The rentals are not intended to be a primary source of income or a business venture.
• Maximum duration of 30 consecutive days: The rental period cannot exceed 30 days.

Management of Short-Term Vacation Rentals:

1. Direct management: The property owner personally handles all aspects of the rental, including advertising, bookings, guest communication, and maintenance.
2. Indirect management: The property owner entrusts the management to agencies, real estate intermediaries, or professional operators who act as agents or sub-tenants.

Operational Requirements for Short-Term Vacation Rentals:

1. Single cadastral code and habitability: The rental unit must have a single cadastral code (identifying the property for tax purposes) and a habitability certificate (certifying that it meets the minimum standards for human habitation).
2. No ancillary or complementary services: The rental should not include additional services beyond the initial provision of linens.

Statistical Reporting Obligations:

1. Submission of the hospitality offer form: Complete and submit an appropriate hospitality offer form, which the local municipality may require.
2. Collection and payment of tourist tax: The tourist tax (imposta di soggiorno) is collected and paid following the procedures established by the competent local municipalities.
3. Daily electronic transmission of data: Transmit guest data electronically to the Questura (police headquarters) daily through https://alloggiatiweb.poliziadistato.it/

How to Obtain the CIN for Your Sicilian Vacation Rental

Owning a property in Sicily and considering renting it out for short-term stays? To legally operate your property as a vacation rental in Sicily, you must obtain the Codice Identificativo Nazionale (CIN), a unique national identification code. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get your CIN:

1. Go to https://bdsr.ministeroturismo.gov.it/ and Click on “Ottieni CIN”.
2. As a foreign user, please select “Credenziali -Utenti Stranieri”.
3. Sign in with your previous log in details (if you have already applied for the CIR before) or register as a new user.
4. Fill out the form and apply to obtain the CIN.

Here, you will find a User Guide (in Italian) with a complete example of how to apply for and obtain the CIN.

PLEASE NOTE: The CIN (national identification code) has replaced the CIR (regional identification code) starting September 2024.

** How was the Process to Obtain the CIR **

1. Submit the “Comunicazione di Offerta di Ospitalità” to the Municipality:

• Visit the municipality where your property is located.
• Request the “Comunicazione di Offerta di Ospitalità per Affitti Brevi” form.
• Please carefully complete the form, including your personal information, the property’s cadastral data, and the accommodation’s capacity.
• Submit the completed form and a copy of your ID to the municipality.

2. Register on the Turist@t Portal:

• Access the website of the Osservatorio Turistico della Regione Siciliana: https://osservatorioturistico.regione.sicilia.it/
• Click the “Richiedi un Account” section and complete the registration form.
• You will receive an email with your login credentials.

3. Apply for the CIR Online:

• Log in to the Turist@t portal using your credentials.
• In the dedicated section, fill out the CIR application form.
• Attach the following documents to your application:
  • Copy of your ID
  • Copy of the “Comunicazione di Offerta di Ospitalità” submitted to the municipality
  • Photographic documentation of the property (photos of each room, exteriors, and furnishings)
• Apply electronically.

4. Receive the CIR:

• You will receive the CIR via email if your application is complete and correctly submitted.
• The CIR is a unique alphanumeric code you must display prominently within the property and provide to your guests.

5. Additional Tips:

• Before submitting the “Comunicazione di Offerta di Ospitalità” to the municipality, verify that your property meets the minimum requirements for short-term rentals established by Regional Regulation 10/2023.
• Keep copies of all documentation produced and submitted for the CIR application.
• For more information and assistance, consult the Regione Siciliana website dedicated to the CIR: https://osservatorioturistico.regione.sicilia.it/ or contact the relevant offices of your local municipality.

6. Remember:

• Obtaining the CIR is mandatory to operate a vacation rental in Sicily.
• Operating without a CIR is subject to administrative penalties.

Additional Considerations:

• Regional and local regulations: Adhere to all applicable regional and local regulations governing short-term vacation rentals. These regulations may cover licensing requirements, minimum standards for properties, and advertising restrictions.
• Insurance: Consider obtaining appropriate insurance coverage to protect yourself from potential liabilities arising from the rental activity.
• Professional assistance: If you are unfamiliar with the regulations or need help managing your short-term vacation rental, consider seeking guidance from an experienced real estate agent or a legal advisor specializing in tourism law.

Following these steps and adhering to the regulations ensures that your Sicilian vacation rental property is fully compliant and ready to welcome guests.